An often asked question but important to understand, so here goes!
Aromatherapy, the way I see it, is another branch of herbalism. It uses the fragrant oils of plants to support the health and well-being of the body, mind and spirit. Many aromatherapists describe the oils as containing the "soul of the plant" and I think there is much truth in that sentiment.
I agree with Susanne Fischer- Rizzi, author of the Complete Aromatherapy Handbook, when she describes essential oils as "a healing medium that can penetrate the deepest layers of the human psyche where many illnesses have their roots."
Native American Approach to Healing
Once, David Winston, a Cherokee herbalist was at Smile speaking about the Native American approach to healing. It touched me deeply when he said that there would always be an herb/herbs included for the spirit in a medicinal blend. For the body to be healed, the spirit must be respected also.
Oils act on the physical body extremely effectively but, I believe, act on other levels also. They seem to give the individual strength to optimize their own healing energies.
The Power of Smell
If all this seems a little hard to believe, consider the following:
· Smell was the first of our senses to develop. It is said we can differentiate between 10,000 different odors. Much of our awareness is at a sub-conscious level; however, given the fact we breathe in and out over 20,000 times a day!
· As aroma molecules go to the back of our nasal passages, they are absorbed by the approximately 10 million olfactory nerve cells. This is the only place in the body where the central nervous system is exposed! These cells then fire signals directly into the limbic system of the brain. In fact, many consider the rear of the nasal passage to actually be an extension of the brain. The brain responds by releasing appropriate neuro- transmitters such as endorphin, serotonin, noradrenaline & encephaline. These have the ability to do such things as reduce fear & pain, create a sexual response, help you be calm, or conversely, keep you awake.
· Smell has been a primary mechanism of our survival through identifying food & water, mates, enemies, weather and safety. 80% of what we think of, as taste is actually smell, exemplified by what happens when you have a bad cold!
· Each person has an odor as individual as their fingerprint!
· A plant produces essential oils to protect & keep itself healthy! Oils often provide anti-bacterial & anti-fungal protection, attract insects for pollination, repel harmful insects and fulfill a host of other functions.
· Oils are very complex compounds with up to 500 different constituents. The synergy of many of these is still unknown.
The Benefit of Oil
Aromatherapy employs the use of many methods through which oils can be utilized by the body. Most common applications include massage, baths, oil diffusors and inhalations. Applied topically, the oil molecules are small enough to penetrate the skin where they are absorbed into the blood stream and carried throughout the body. How you choose to use oils is really a personal preference. In whatever manner you opt for, they will simultaneously act on the body, the mind and the spirit.
I should say a word here about what is commonly referred to as "aromatherapy" in the greater marketplace. Often these days, the term is applied to bath and candle products that are made from totally synthetic ingredients. These may suit your need for a sweet smelling bubble bath or candle but they are really something completely different than therapeutic aromatherapy.
I hope this brief overview of aromatherapy will move you to give it a try! Essential oils have been a deep blessing in my life and I hope they will be in yours!
Author: Linda Wolfe and Co-Owner of Smile
Last Update:: 0000-00-00
